This morning via a special media-only webcast, Universal Orlando has announced after weeks of dropping hints online that the Jimmy Neutron’s Nicktoon Blast ride at Universal Studios Florida will indeed be replaced by a new attraction based on the hit film “Despicable Me.”

From the moment Universal first announced that the Jimmy Neutron attraction will be permanently closing on August 18, rumors quickly surfaced that a “Despicable Me” themed attraction would be taking its place. Now it has been confirmed to open in 2012.

Here’s a replay of the Despicable Me announcement webcast:

The new “Despicable Me” attraction will feature a 3D film that brings Gru and his daughters on another adventure with guests seeing familiar scenes from the popular movie, with a sequel to the film on the way to theaters. Guests will be transformed into Minions as part of the attraction and ultimately join in an interactive Minion Dance Party for its finale.

I asked Universal for clarification as to whether the new attraction will follow in the same pattern of Jimmy Neutron taking over for the old Hanna-Barbera attraction by (more or less) simply replacing the film and was told, “The Despicable Me attraction will be located where [Jimmy Neutron] once was, but it will be a completely different experience for guests using all-new technology. […] there’s definitely more to come!” So perhaps we will see more than just a 3D update.

Just after the online announcement, a flash mob formed outside the entrance to Universal Studios Florida, featuring Minions and hundreds of others dancing to “Boogie Fever”:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NxfzgBn__t4

“Despicable Me” will become the first-ever Universal animated film to be transformed into a theme park experience. The Universal Creative team is working closely with producer Chris Meledandri, the founder of Illumination Entertainment, to create new animation for the new “Despicable Me” adventure.

Characters to be featured in the new attraction include Gru, daughters Margo, Edith and Agnes, and of course, Gru’s not-so-bright pit crew, and the minions. Locations from the film that will be seen in the ride include Gru’s lair and his secret lab where guests will be transformed into minions.

Gru is bringing his high-tech empire – and his three adopted daughters – to Universal Studios, and he is looking for all the help he can get. First, he will transform guests into an army of mischievous, scene-stealing minions. Then he will train them.

Here are a few sound bites from “Despicable Me” producer Chris Meledandri about the new attraction:

And the video announcement from Universal Orlando posted on their YouTube channel:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l-Fb7mr8qjI

In the same webcast, Universal Orlando also announced that the Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man is receiving 4K digital upgrades to replace the film projections used in the ride since it opened.

Watch the webcast announcement of the Spider-Man upgrade with Universal Creative’s Thierry Coup and an appearance by Spider-Man himself:

And a new render from the updated ride:

The ride film is being reanimated in 4K HD and will feature new details. The upgrades to Spider-Man will also be completed in 2012.

Owner and Editor of Inside the Magic. Since growing up in Miami, Florida and ultimately moving to Orlando after college, Ricky has become an expert on Central Florida's many theme parks and attractions. He founded Inside the Magic in 2005.

William Andrews

Otto

Very disapointed. I was hoping we woudn´t get a screen and the motion simulators. USO has more than enough screens and I hate motion simulator.
And then spend money on an atraction like Spiderman that doesn´t need an upgrade is a total waist of money in mine opinion. Why not ad scenery and beter logs to dudley or put something nice in fear Factor live of the almost always emty show arena in ioa of a awesome nighttime show. This is a total waist of money.

joshdarkensins

Kyle

Universal theme parks have built a brand of making experience out of great movies for all ages (Jaws, Men in Black, ect.) When they put in attractions like Jimmy Neutron and Despicable Me they compromise their reputation. Judging from Jimmy Neutron I do not trust Universal to make this an attraction interesting to anyone over twelve years old.

Mike

What are you talking about? The only reason they are putting Despicable Me in the park is because most of their rides are for people older than twelve. They need to add rides like this just to please the younger guest.

Based in Orlando, Florida, Inside the Magic was created in 2005 by Ricky Brigante. What started as a tiny web site and short weekly podcast has grown to the multimedia-driven experience it is today, focusing on bringing you all things fun, every day.

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